Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday told the Lok Sabha that the ongoing conflict in West Asia is a matter of serious concern, impacting global economic stability as well as India. He said the situation also poses major challenges to security and humanitarian efforts.
Modi said the Centre has been extending necessary assistance to Indians living in affected areas and is managing the evolving situation. He noted that 3.75 lakh Indians have returned safely after the conflict, including about 1,000 from Iran.
Highlighting India’s dependence on the region, he said around one crore Indians work in Gulf countries and some have lost their lives due to the conflict. He added that India meets a significant part of its crude oil needs from West Asia and is taking steps to ensure uninterrupted supply of petrol, diesel and domestic LPG cylinders.
The Prime Minister said key fuel shipments reach India through the Strait of Hormuz and measures are being taken to provide security to fuel vessels and closely monitor sea routes. He also pointed to reduced crude imports due to ethanol blending—now at 20%—and said more than 53 lakh metric tonnes of fuel are available in storage.
Modi said a group of Union ministers is reviewing the conflict’s impact and decisions are being taken daily based on its recommendations. He added that fertiliser stocks for the coming cultivation season are adequate, and that electrification of trains and rising use of electric vehicles are helping reduce diesel consumption.
